Creativity plays a major role in a student’s development through their high school years, with the National Library of Medicine reporting that individuals in art, music, and creative programs are 20% more likely to report higher levels of emotional well-being and performance in other classes. Being able to express yourself during these years is one of the most important things you can do as a student, with a handful of interviewed students at Norwalk reporting that taking part in these activities has lowered stress and anxiety during their day-to-day lives, the effects lasting during and throughout school. The same has been reported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
When interviewed, CJ Ray, a student at Norwalk, said that “Norwalk should have more of an emphasis on the art department. Art showcases in the hallways could be expanded upon; if someone saw something they liked, they could be inspired to create their own piece.” In a conversation, he said that “People at Norwalk are afraid to go out of their comfort zone and try new things, things that they could enjoy and make their life more interesting.”
When Ms. Davidson, the school’s art teacher, was asked the question, ‘What can Norwalk do to improve creativity in students?’ She responded that it’s important to “Give kids more choices when doing projects.” Mr. Bergstrom, the assistant principal, was asked the same, he said “Helping push students into higher level courses and electives to grow into areas that suit them.”
46% percent of Americans use creative activities to lower stress levels in their lives, according to the American Psychiatric Association. And people who rated their own mental health as higher than average had also engaged in creative activities more frequently than people who had rated their own mental health as lower.
Norwalk High School has courses that encourage creativity in students and are available for anyone in grades 9-12. These courses include Introduction to Art, Drawing, Painting, Pottery, 2D/3D Design, Metals/Jewelry, Art Appreciation, Digital Photography 1 (See CTE Department), and AP Art.
Sources:
NAMI, 9 Feb. 2024, www.nami.org/press-releases/new-research-from-adobe-foundation-and-nami-shows-powerful-benefits-of-creative-activities-on-mental-health-especially-for-young-people-lgbtq-community/.
“Creativity in High School Education | ETC Foundation.” Edward Taylor Coombs Foundation, 27 May 2024, etcfoundation34.org/the-role-of-creativity-in-high-school-education/.
Jiang, Xuejie, et al. “The Impact of Craft Creation Practice on University Students’ Mental Health: A Moderated Network Analysis.” Frontiers in Public Health, vol. 13, 28 Mar. 2025, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1502506.